The shooting at a republican congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia is hitting a southern Illinois congressman hard. Republican John Shimkus is a roommate of Louisiana Representative Steve Scalise, who was shot during the incident. Shimkus - who was not at the practice - says it feels as if a brother was shot.
"I think it also talks to how close we get with people here in Washington, on both sides of the aisle. Stories that aren't really told or reported on," Shimkus said.
House Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi both talked about the need for unity after the shooting. Shimkus says the main problem is those on the extreme right and left want perfect agreement on their views, which goes against American democracy.
"The Founding Fathers would never agree with that line of thought. The system is formed to promote and move to compromise," Shimkus said.
Shimkus says he's against extra security for congressional lawmakers because it would be impossible to provide absolute safety in a free and open society.
